Ok. So while my American friends are enjoying their turkeys in freezing weather ( just had to rub that in from tropical weather zone here) I got invited by a Senegalese colleague to join his family for a meal yesterday. I gladly accepted what I assumed would be a pop in- pop out simple meal. It however turned out to be a very interesting meal-making experience which I have tried to capture in pictures below.

First, they had me follow them to the Kaso market in Dakar to purchase some of the items needed for the meal of Riz Jaune.

Rice, tomatoes, shrimps, chicken, pepper, pepper, and more pepper.

Then we headed home and they started preparing the meal. Meanwhile I was served this very yummy egg-based meal.

They pounded and grounded (using a mortar and pestle) the pepper and then the other ingredients.  The grilled the chucked over open fire, fried the onions over the fire, and slices and diced.

And soon enough, it was all ready and then served for a communal meal. We all washed our hands and dipped it into the food and the laughter, joy, gratitude and contentment over such a simple meal was almost unbelievable.

Merci beacoup Senegal!